At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a bilingual Early Years programme for children aged 1-6.
- Company: Join the vibrant community at the German School London, embracing diversity and global responsibility.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, paid holidays, career development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic leadership team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while leading a passionate team in early education.
- Qualifications: Fluent in German and English with 5-10 years of early years education experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
The German School London has a unique opportunity for an experienced Nursery Manager/Head of Early Years Education to join our international Kinderhaus.
About the DSL: The DSL is part of the network of German Schools Abroad and has over 880 children and young people from over 30 nations. We are an international, cosmopolitan community that embraces diversity and we strive to prepare our pupils for their lives in a global context and local responsibility, while promoting their independence. Children from 1–6 come together and grow together in the Kinderhaus. In two separate settings with bright buildings, everything is tailored to the needs of our youngest children. The provisions consist of Sudbrook Kinderhaus and DSL Kinderhaus.
The Role: The Head of Kinderhaus provides strategic and operational leadership for the Early Years provision (ages 1–6) across two sites: Deutsche Schule London and Sudbrook School. The role is responsible for the effective delivery, development and management of a high-quality bi-lingual Early Years programme. The position ensures consistent educational standards in line with regulatory frameworks, including German school guidelines and the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Reporting to the Headteacher and working closely with the Director of Sudbrook School, the role contributes to the overall strategic direction of the organisation.
- Lead the day-to-day operations of the Kinderhaus, including staffing, scheduling and budget management
- Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations (EYFS, safeguarding, health & safety, German school standards)
- Maintain a high-quality, inspiring and nurturing learning environment
- Oversee curriculum development and support effective teaching and learning
- Monitor children’s progress and ensure appropriate support for individual needs
- Work closely with SENCo and specialists to support children with additional needs
- Build strong relationships with parents through regular communication and meetings
- Recruit, develop and manage staff, including training and performance reviews
- Foster a collaborative team culture and ensure smooth operations across both sites
- Represent the school to prospective families, including tours and admissions processes
- Lead and support events (e.g. open days, school events)
- Contribute to the senior leadership team and strategic planning
- Balance educational excellence with commercial awareness to support sustainable operations
Requirements:
- Degree or equivalent in Early Childhood Education, Social Sciences or related field (Level 4/5, EYTS or QTS preferred)
- Fluent in German and English (written and spoken)
- 5–10 years experience in early years education
- Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills
- Ability to motivate teams and work effectively under pressure
- Safeguarding training (Level 3)
- At least 2 years leadership experience (team management, planning, budgeting)
- Strong knowledge of child development, EYFS and German early years standards
What’s on offer:
- Competitive salary
- Paid holiday (exceptions apply on certain days)
- Enhanced sick pay
- Autonomous working and being part of the Senior Leadership Team
- Career development opportunities
- Employee discount schemes
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- High-quality canteen with very reasonable prices
- Free parking
- Excellent pension scheme
- Awards for long service / gifts to mark career milestones
- Events / team-building activities
The School has a sponsorship licence and will support the visa process.
Recruitment Process: Applications must include a Covering Letter and CV, stating how the applicant meets the requirements of the job. The School has a continuous, three-stage interview process, and reserves the right to close the recruitment process early. Application deadline: 28 April 2026.
Nursery Manager (German-speaker) in London employer: German School Associataion
Contact Detail:
German School Associataion Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Nursery Manager (German-speaker) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the school before your interview! Research the German School London and its values. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how you fit into their community and culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your German! Since this role requires fluency in both German and English, brush up on your language skills. You might even want to prepare some key phrases related to early years education to impress them.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership style! Be ready to discuss your experience in managing teams and how you foster a collaborative environment. Use examples that highlight your ability to motivate and inspire others.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions! Prepare thoughtful questions about the Kinderhaus and its operations. This shows your genuine interest and helps you determine if it’s the right fit for you. And remember, apply through our website for the best chance!
We think you need these skills to ace Nursery Manager (German-speaker) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your experience in early years education and how it aligns with our values at the German School London. Be genuine and let your passion for nurturing young minds come through.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your relevant experience, especially in leadership roles and bilingual education. We want to see how your skills match what we’re looking for in a Nursery Manager.
Showcase Your Bilingual Skills: Since fluency in both German and English is key for this role, make sure to demonstrate your language skills clearly in your application. Whether it's through your cover letter or CV, let us know how you’ve used these languages in your professional journey.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the recruitment process. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at German School Associataion
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in both the UK Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and German early years standards. Brush up on the latest regulations and best practices in early childhood education, as this will show your commitment and expertise during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in previous roles. Think about specific challenges you faced, how you motivated your team, and the outcomes of your leadership. This is crucial for a role that requires strong organisational and management skills.
✨Emphasise Bilingual Communication
Since fluency in both German and English is essential, be ready to demonstrate your language skills. You might even want to prepare a few key phrases or concepts in both languages that relate to early years education to showcase your bilingual capabilities.
✨Engage with the Community
The role involves building relationships with parents and the wider community. Think about how you can contribute to this aspect and be prepared to discuss your strategies for fostering strong connections with families and ensuring their involvement in the Kinderhaus.